The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, has cautioned married couples to guard their relationships diligently, warning that most extra-marital affairs often begin as casual friendships.

Pastor Adeboye gave the advice in the Monday edition of the church’s daily devotional, Open Heavens, where he addressed the growing incidence of infidelity in marriages. He noted that seemingly innocent friendships can gradually evolve into deeper emotional entanglements, ultimately leading to acts of unfaithfulness.

“Most extra-marital relationships start from casual friendships, and after a while, the devil introduces temptations that can lead to sinful acts,” he warned. “Don’t deceive yourself by saying, ‘I’m not doing anything with that fellow; we are just friends.’”

He emphasized the need for married individuals to be intentional about spending quality time with their spouses, citing long-distance marriages and demanding work schedules as major contributors to emotional disconnect and infidelity.

“In truth, a long-distance marriage isn’t healthy for any family. A couple can have a short-term arrangement to be apart for unavoidable reasons, but this should not be for long,” he said.

Pastor Adeboye observed that in many cases, spouses may live under the same roof but still lead separate lives due to their busy routines. “Such couples are living separate lives, and one or both of the spouses are likely to form connections with the people they spend most of their time with in their spouse’s absence.”

He called on married individuals to reassess their priorities and intentionally nurture their marital relationships. “When you prefer spending time outside your home rather than with your spouse, there is trouble,” he said. “When you prefer discussing intimate issues with your ‘friends’ of the opposite sex instead of your spouse, you should retrace your steps.”

To maintain strong marital bonds, the RCCG leader advised couples to prioritize each other by spending time together regularly.

“Go out to fun places and take frequent walks together. At least once a month, dress up and go on a date. Book a hotel room or a private lodge for a weekend at least once every year so you can spend quality time with your spouse, away from all distractions,” he urged.

“After your relationship with God, your relationship with your spouse is the most important in your life,” he added, encouraging couples to be deliberate in “cleaving” to one another.

Pastor Adeboye concluded the message with a prayer that God would help couples overcome every temptation threatening their marriages and grant them lasting unity.